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Learn all about Normalization of Scores in CAT Exam Result

As you all know by now, that CAT 2017 examination results are out. Many students are rejoicing at their achievements. However, some are a bit confused with a process called ‘’Normalization of Scores’’

Technical Explanation

According to the official CAT 2017 website, “The Normalization process shall adjust for location and scale differences of score distributions across different forms. After normalization across different forms, the scores shall be further normalized across different sections.”

The process is to ensure fairness and equity in comparison of performances of candidates who appear in separate sessions of the exam. Scaling of scores is done across different forms and sections. The scaled scores are then converted to percentile scores.

Still Confused, right? Let’s simplify this

Since this pattern is usually not told either in study circles or in online mock test, that’s why students remain perplexed. Anyways, here’s a simple example:

Suppose, 100 students appeared in both the shifts in cities A and B. Now, if the students from city B are from Hindi medium background, they will be at a disadvantage in comparison to students from city A.

Also, if the question paper in the second shift was relatively tougher than in first shift then the students in shift two are also at a disadvantage.

And let’s assume, the average score of students in the first shift is 110. And, average score of students in second shift is 100.

Also assume, the average score of students in city A is 120 and city B is 100.

So, from this example it is clear that comparing the scores of all the students on the same parameter would not be fair.

So, this is done to normalize the scores of students. By multiplication with a number.